Just because...

Just because my camera is still broken. (I have slipped a few photos in that I took with a generously loaned camera...but I REALLY want my own back! I know, I know...a little cheese with that whine, please....)

Just because parenting has been a challenge with our determined gal this past week...and it's nice to reflect on her sweet side.

Just because it's good for me to remember that she entered our lives as an independent, spirited girl...and it makes perfect sense that it IS who she still is...and her Mama needs to embrace that and be proud!

Just because these photos show how HAPPY doing things for herself makes her.

Just because, even though I am dead tired, worn out...and my child, sleeping like an angel in her bed right now, nearly brought her Dad and I to our knees last night...so determined was she...she is the greatest blessing to us both and we love her more than words could possibly say.

In the first photo, I caught her in the act of removing her socks and shoes...something she did with amazing speed and agility for the first year we had her. She was a shoe Houdini and could kick those shoes off in a split second, no matter how hard I tried to foil her plot. We, of course, finally gave up and just began removing her shoes in the car or in restaurants. Now that I know her inside and out, I am certain Lia was thrilled that we finally got on board with her plan. We were slow learners, novices you know...but we catch on a lot quicker these days. She has trained us well.

In the second photo if you can't tell...she is attempting to put her sock back on. She would work and work...and never get frustrated...until she learned how to take them off...and put them back on. It was impressive. But what really gets me about this photo is how stinkin' proud and happy she is with herself. May I always (or at least most of the time) give her the space and support from the sidelines (you know, staying out of her way and all)that she needs to allow her to bloom. To do things in her own time. To dance to the beat of her own drummer. To be herself.





By the way...these pictures were taken when we had only been home a few weeks. Lia was almost 15 months old. How I miss that reverse mullet she sported those first months...she was all business in the back (shaved)...with a little fun in the front. She refused to keep a barrette in her hair and the bangs in her eyes drove me so crazy that I attempted to trim them myself one sleep deprived afternoon. I will share the devastating results of THAT rookie mistake another day. Needless to say, I haven't picked up scissors around hair since. Happy weekend to you all!